Course Overview!

Ball State University's Graduate Certificate in Public Administration is a 12-credit program designed for working professionals in local government or graduate students in public service-related fields. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of public policy, management principles, and administration within the public sector. Students gain skills in goal-setting, strategy development, leadership, resource management, policy analysis, problem-solving, and effective communication. The curriculum draws from the core requirements of the Master of Public Administration degree, potentially serving as a stepping stone toward that program. The certificate complements related master's programs in fields such as Information and Communication Sciences, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Political Science, Student Affairs, Urban Design, and Urban Planning. The Bowen Center for Public Affairs, affiliated with the Department of Political Science, provides additional resources and professional development opportunities for students.

Course Structure

The 12-credit certificate requires completing four out of six courses from the core Master of Public Administration program. Course selection does not have a particular order. The courses offered include: POLS 650 Introduction to Public and Nonprofit Administration, POLS 652 Managing Human Resources for Public Service, POLS 648 Policy Design and Advocacy, POLS 651 Managing Organizations for Public Service, and POLS 653 Public and Nonprofit Financial Management (online summer course). A complete list of program requirements and courses is available in the course catalog.